A NEW support service to help consumers use over-the-counter medicines correctly has been launched by the Consumer Health Information Centre.

The services will encourage the safe and effective use of OTC medicines by increasing confidence in their safety and efficacy.

Consumers will also have access to an advice line, run by the charity, the Medical Advisory Service, which employs nurses who are disabled as a result of illness or work injury.

The nurses will give advice on queries relating to use, storage and interactions of different OTC medicines.

They will also be able to give broader advice relating to a person's illness.

Dr Ian Banks, CHIC adviser said, "This new service is important for the many of us who might have questions about medication that we buy from a pharmacy."

The advice line number is 020 8742 2042 and is open from 10am to 3pm Monday to Fridays.

Valley health centre plan approvedA NEW primary care centre for the Dulais Valley has been approved by the Welsh Assembly Government.

The new health centre will help to safeguard the future of non-hospital health services in the area.

The centre will provide a modern building where a range of primary, community and voluntary sector services will be provided. The development will see services such as enhanced podiatry, nutrition and dietetics, speech and language therapy and mental health services introduced into the area. There are plans to further increase the range of services in an attempt to reduce the need for patients travel to hospital.

Katie Norton, chief executive of Neath Port Talbot Local Health Board, said, "This is a key milestone in making this primary care centre a reality."

The LHB is now working to modernise other primary care premises, including the development of primary care resource centres in Port Talbot and Neath and a replacement for Briton Ferry Health Centre.

Disabled children 'need better services'SOCIAL services inspectors have told Newport Council it needs to improve services for disabled children.

Although services were found to be "sound", a report said greater service choice and opportunities for disabled young people with complex needs was required.

The inspection by the Social Services Inspectorate for Wales with the Commission for Health Improvement and Estyn, found that the council does have a strong commitment to providing effective services for children and families.

Its report added that the authority was beginning to improve the number and quality of core assessments for disabled children and their families in order to match the needs of children to improved support services.

But there needs to be more involvement and participation of disabled children and their families in planning, designing and developing services.

The council is developing an action plan to address the recommendations made in the report.